062199June 21, 1999
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special budget session at 2:00 p.m. in the
Commissioners Meeting Room, County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC.
Commissioners Frye, Davis, Holmes, and Mason were present. Commissioner Kemp was absent.
Randolph County Schools
Worth Hatley, Superintendent of Randolph County Schools, discussed increasing operating costs
associated with a growing student population and the opening of new schools and said that this problem is
compounded by decreases in funding and the fact that the system has no supplemental tax. He estimated fall
enrollment to be 16,800.
Asheboro City Schools
Dr. Bob Gordon, Superintendent of Asheboro City Schools, stated that their system also has unmet
current expense needs. He discussed the need for additional personnel, a new bus, a warehouse van, and an
activity bus. He said renovation projects are costing more than estimated because the other parts of
buildings have to be brought up to code. Estimated fall enrollment is 4,350.
Randolph Community College
Dr. Larry Linker, President of RCC, talked about their college transfer program, new course offerings,
and the college's growing relationship with business and industry. They plan to add an additional security
officer and to pave three parking lots in the new budget year. This past year RCC had an unduplicated head
count of 10,000 students (8,000 in continuing education and 2,000 in curriculum programs).
Mental Health
Mazie Fleetwood, Area Mental Health Director, discussed reductions in her budget, including
Medicaid cuts. She said this budget does not include any funds for cost -of -living increases. Approximately
6,100 clients were served during FY 1997-98.
Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce
Talmadge Baker, Chamber Board President, highlighted various programs and services provided by the
Chamber, stating that the Chamber significantly impacts on the quality of life in Randolph County. He
asked the Board to consider funding the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce $20,000 annually for
their ongoing efforts for growth and economic development in the county.
Center of Living Home Health and Hospice
Ann Weston presented information on the four programs offered by Center of Living: hospice, home
health, Kaleidoscope Kids, and community education and counseling services. She said 1707 Randolph
County citizens were served by this agency in 1998.
Billie Vuncannon, Director, said their computer system must be replaced. It is over 8 years old, is not
Y2K compliant, and cannot be fixed or upgraded. It will cost $103,649 for a new system to meet their
needs, but they do not have the funds to purchase it. She asked the Board to consider funding the cost for
the new computer system.
Budget Discussion
The Board discussed various funding requests. Chairman Frye recessed the meeting until 7:00 p.m.
Public Hearing on the Proposed 1999-2000 Budget
At 7:00 p.m. the Board reconvened. Chairman Frye summarized the County Manager's budget
message and opened the public hearing on the proposed budget.
Mac Sherrill, 227 Holly Hill, Ramseur, told the Board that he appreciates their work and commended
them for taking responsibility for decisions that need to be made. He said he feels that the citizens get good
value for their tax dollars.
Bill Hayden, 583 Shaw Street, Asheboro, said the Board should have allowed the public to vote on
the increase in taxes and asked how revaluation would affect these funds. Chairman Frye responded that the
purpose of this meeting is to provide public input into the budget and explained that the tax rate is always
reduced after a revaluation.
Charlie Hawks, 142 W. Presnell Street, Asheboro, said the Board should increase the tax rate as much
as is necessary in order to take care of the Sheriff's Department because these people are putting their lives
on the line every day for the citizens of Randolph County.
Johnny Jones, Archdale, told the Board that they had kept taxes low and this is still one of the best
counties to live in. He said when he recently was told what a deputy's salary is he thought it was a joke
because it is so little. He said he supports the increase for the Sheriff's Department.
Cheryl Parnell, 684 Back Creek Road, Asheboro, stated that, with 3 children in school, she wanted to
reemphasize the need for schools, especially in the Southwest area, because of the overcrowding. She
stated that she supports the tax increase.
Chairman Frye asked for a show of hands from those in support of the proposed budget. Almost all
raised their hands. He asked who opposed it, and no one raised his hand. Chairman Frye closed the public
hearing and adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Darrell L. Frye, Chairman Phil Kemp
I Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board